A new remote-controlled contraceptive implant is in development and could be on the market by 2018. It would last up to 16 years, and women could turn off the device themselves without a trip to a health-care provider.

Researchers at the World Health Organization have recently documented a substantial decrease in the numbers of unsafe abortion deaths, but the incidence of unsafe abortion itself has not decreased. Anti-abortion laws in developing countries cause grave harm and endanger women’s lives and health. As long as these antiquated laws remain in place, unsafe abortion and its resulting maternal mortality and morbidity will continue.